A memorial wall honoring fallen employees was unveiled Friday at John J. Pershing VA Medical Center.
The wall recognizes employees who were working at the VA at the time of their death.
“We have had several employees ask us to do something to memorialize their co-workers,” said Angela Smith, senior strategy business partner. “We had a committee that got together and this was the outcome. We are so happy that the families and co-workers, got to be a part of it all.”
The committee had several ideas concerning a memorial plaque, a bench on the walking track or planting trees in their honor, according to information released by the VA.
The digital signage won out as the most popular idea, officials said, since it allowed the use of photos and names to remember the employees.
The Veteran’s Administration Employee Association funded the plaque that is displayed next to the digital screen stating. It states, “In loving memory of our treasured colleagues. Honoring their lives and their service to America’s Veterans. Never forgotten.”
It was an honor to be part of this, said Toni Stoner, president of the VAEA.
“When they asked the VAEA to be a part of it, we jumped at the idea,” she shared. “These weren’t just our co-workers, these were our friends, our colleagues and they became family. We spend more time with them, than we do our own families at times.”
She thanked the families for allowing the VA to remember their co-workers.
Facility Director Paul Hopkins said he hopes people will pause at the memorial to recognize those it honors.
“This memorial serves to remind us of those remarkable individuals who have been part of the John J Pershing and, more importantly, a part of our lives,” Hopkins said. “My hope is that staff and veterans alike will pause here from time to time remembering a moment they shared with one of our lost employees.”
The wall is located up the staircase from the urgent care area and will run 24/7.
If anyone knows an employee that worked at the VA at the time of their death, please contact Stoner, Smith or any VA employee, to get copies of the releases needed by the next of kin to sign and get their loved one added to the wall.
“We want to remember them all,” said Stoner. “I just don’t know how to reach the families.”
Please call 573-686-4151, ext. 52054 for more information.